Gonzalez focused on January camp ahead of contract year

TORRANCE, Calif. – Omar Gonzalez lives in the here and now, but the LA Galaxy defender back admits that 2013 could be one of the most important years of his professional career.

Gonzalez was among the 25 players called-up by U.S. national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the annual January camp and subsequent friendly against Canada on Jan. 29 in Houston. But breaking into the U.S. squad promises to be just one of the many challenges on tap for Gonzalez in 2013 as he enters the final season of his contract with the Galaxy and MLS.

Whether Gonzalez will remain with the Galaxy or test himself on foreign shores remains a major question mark for both parties ahead of the 2013 season. With preseason weeks away, the reigning MLS Cup MVP admits that talks are ongoing with teams outside U.S., but it has not shaken his focus on the January camp.

“I think that there are, but I’m letting my agent handle that,” Gonzalez told a group of reporters in the team’s hotel. “My mind is focused here on this camp and that’s about it.

“I’m living in the now, and I’ve learned to not be thinking about those things because I can’t control them,” Gonzalez later added. “Once you start thinking about those things then your mind goes, and your game goes so I’m just excited for this camp.”

But that being said, Gonzalez expects to suit up for the Galaxy once next season rolls around.

“Yeah as of right now, I’m with the Galaxy. I love playing in L.A. and for the Galaxy,” said Gonzalez. “I love playing for Bruce [Arena], Tim Leiweke, and [Phillip] Anschutz.”